Styles Features

The growing number of entries to sour beer categories suggests that brewers are onto something new. But the techniques they’re using, and the “bugs” they’re welcoming into their beers, have a long history.

In 2010, the Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings in Chicago evaluated almost 400 beers and ciders in nearly 80 style categories. For each style, here are the top three entries (more in the case of tied scores) of those that scored in the platinum (96-100 points) or gold (90-95) ranges.

The Bristol & District branch of CAMRA, in the southwest of England, pulled out all the stops for its Mild in May promotion. It adopted a passport theme, providing a pocket-sized booklet that participants could fill in as they drank mild in different pubs. There were organized social evenings for group mild tastings over the... View Article

Coming soon to a bar near you: mild ale. This traditional English beer, once the most popular style in the country, fell from favor in the last century. However, it is staging a comeback in its native land, and has even made its way onto U.S. shores. You’ll have to do your research if you... View Article

The Alembic, San Francisco, CA: This upscale rustic place has a great beer selection with unique, decently priced food, including pickled quail eggs and pulled pork sliders. The spirits selection is a cut above, just in case your friends want to switch from beer mid-session. Brick Store Pub, Decatur, GA: If the solid tap selection... View Article

A good tap and bottle selection, including a range of styles and beers from low to high alcohol, is an absolute must. Throw in a couple of beer engines for style points. Music is OK, but if is too loud for reasonable voice levels, there needs to be a “quiet room” for conversation. Televisions should... View Article

In England they head to the pub for a session. The stammtisch is a German beer hall tradition where regulars gather at the same table each week. In Ireland they crave craic on Saturday night. In America, we meet with friends at happy hour.

Over the last few years we’ve seen a veritable boom in the number of craft beer establishments around the country, including many that specialize in artisanal foods. And with this growth, we’ve also seen another development: a newfound appreciation of cask-conditioned beer.